Blog
Egyptian Paste
Egyptian Paste was used, as the name implies, by the ancient Egyptians, as far back as 7,000 years ago. Ornaments made from this material have been found in most Egyptian burial tombs. Egyptian Paste is a self-glazing, low-firing clay body that was probably discovered by accident when a mixture of sand, clay, potash feldspar and soda ash... Read More
June 12, 2019
Black Firing Tips and Tricks
Amongst the ‘primitive’ firing techniques you will find the technique of ‘Black Firing’. This method involves heating a primitive gas-brick kiln to about 1000oC and then adding copious amounts of sugar, which then volatilize and impregnate the clay with carbon, giving it a mat black surface. Glazes may also be used with this method, which... Read More
June 12, 2019
Printing Ceramics
All of us have come into contact with decals — we see the commercial type every day on mugs, plates and other industrial ceramics. Getting these types of images on to a ceramic work is not necessarily that hard. In this feature I would like to have a brief look at some of the issues... Read More
June 12, 2019
Pit Firing
Pit firing can be termed a ‘primitive’ firing technique, although this is not meant in a derogatory way. The word ‘traditional’ can certainly also be used in the case of many cultures, that were amongst the first to discover this simple firing technique. It is still widely used on many continents today, but it the... Read More
June 12, 2019
Manganese
Manganese compounds used by potters are inorganic, like manganese dioxide, oxide and manganese carbonate; they do not penetrate the body via the skin as compared to some organic compounds. Metallic applications account for most manganese consumption, with about 90% used in steelmaking. Manganese is an essential mineral for humans and animals. It is necessary for... Read More
June 12, 2019
Some Hints on Throwing Porcelain
Of the many types of clay, porcelain is the finest — and the most difficult to ‘throw’ (form on a potters wheel). Porcelain, an ‘artificial’ clay, is certainly no matrial for the beginning potter, who would be much better off starting with a more robust clay like stoneware or earthenware. But there are a few... Read More
June 12, 2019
Space Ceramics
Ceramics are a field not only known to artists and hobbyists, but one that finds important applications in technical areas as well. While Advanced Heat Engines and Super Conducting ceramics are of interest, the space applications, or so-called thermal protection systems are probably generating the most interest at the moment, especially in the light of the current Mars Pathfinder... Read More
June 12, 2019
Mat Slip Decoration
Obtaining satin-mat surfaces using slips Have you ever seen satin-mat ceramic surfaces and wondered how it is done? Easy — by decorating with color slips made from the same clay body! Using slips made from the same body as your ceramic pieces is quite easy, but there are a few things to consider. The technique... Read More
June 12, 2019
Lawson Oyekan
Winner of the Grand Prix Award for the 1st World Ceramic Biennale 2001 Korea The Grand Prix Award for the 1st World Ceramic Biennale 2001 Korea goes to… Lawson Oyekan for “Healing Being” The 1st World Ceramic Biennale 2001 Korea was hosted by the ‘World Ceramic Exposition 2001 Korea Organizing Committee’, is sponsored by the... Read More
June 12, 2019
Oxidation and Reduction Firings
There are many different types of kilns and firing techniques, e.g. raku, wood firing, gas firing etc. But a particular kiln type can be suitable for more than one firing type. In general we distinguish between two types of firing — oxidation and reduction. What is an oxidation firing? In an oxidation firing, ceramic wares... Read More
June 12, 2019